Going after the things you want
Did you ever wanted to become a pilot? But the time wasn’t right, there wasn’t enough funding, or you couldn’t find the right school. Now you have decided to start flying. That’s great, you just took the first step in realizing one of your dreams. Because, one of the hardest things to do is to just ‘start’. It sounds really simple, but it has major effects. Every great adventure starts with the first step.
There are two types of people in the world; people who dream and keep laying on their couch, and people who actually try to make their dreams a reality, people who start and pursue their dreams. Here’s the thing, maybe you won’t reach your goal, or maybe it will take you 15 years. But you’ll be happy because you are following your dream. Worst case scenario; if it doesn’t work out for you you’ll know you did everything in your power to try to make it a reality. Instead of wondering “What if?” when you are 70 years old. What if I took the plunge and tried chasing my dreams? If you shoot for the stars you might end up on some planet along the way.
Isaac Newton identified 2 states of activity, in motion or inert (not moving). You are either moving or not. It’s making the first step towards motion that is the hardest. Inertia and the Xbox are keeping you static. Most career training takes an investment, not just in money but in time. Naturally the sooner you start, the sooner you will finish and reach your goals. In aviation this is particularly important due to the concept of seniority. Pilots that have been with an airline longer have seniority and get to bid for the best routes, bases, and vacation days. Even if a pilot is 20 years older than you, if you have been with the company longer you have seniority. Start now, and take advantage of cadet programs that establish your seniority number even before you officially start working for them.
There is a big difference between how to become a pilot in the US and in Europe. In the US you can start your ‘American dream’ of becoming a pilot by going to a local flight school, getting your medical and starting your training. If you really want it you should go for it. Or in the wise words of Nike and most recently Shia Lebouf “Just Do It!”.
Now here’s the thing; do you have to have a University degree to become successful? Do you need to have a high IQ to become a pilot and get to your aviation goals? No, it all takes dedication and something else; Grit. You just have to put in the work. We will leave you with a quote that will hopefully inspire you to chase your dreams, whatever they may be.
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, magic, and power in it. Begin it now.”
-W.H. Murray-
